Legislation targets payroll deductions for PACs

The Republican-led Michigan House has passed a bill that would ban public employers from allowing paycheck deductions for political contributions.

It would reinforce a state Supreme Court decision made earlier this year.

Supporters say the legislation isn't anti-union. They say it’s about using government resources fairly.

State Rep. Mike Shirkey (R-Clark Lake) says there's "a long list of private, politically oriented organizations who would love to have the elegance and access to employee deductions of public workers.”

Shirkey, a co-sponsor of the legislation, says it should eliminate further court battles on the issue.

The bill is now headed to the Senate, where Shirkey says he expects robust debate.